It can be very exciting to discover a standout isopod within an existing colony and many wonder if they have produced a new isopod species to call their own. Before we recommend shouting from the rooftops and putting forward your new find to be added to the record, you must know that not every new find is proof of a new scientific discovery.
It is true there are still so many types of isopod genus and species yet to be discovered, with new isopods being identified every year. Isopods belong to a larger group of crustaceans, which also includes woodlice and other related species, and new discoveries help refine our understanding of this group. It’s not surprising for hobbyists to be enthusiastic about a new colouration or pattern found on a wild or captive bred isopod.
In order to establish if you have a truly discovered a new genus or species of isopod, it is recommended that you isolate the isopod and put it through the ‘proving out’ method. This means breeding the isopod with the unique trait to establish if the trait is genetic or not.
The genetic makeup of isopods is still poorly understood and there ‘seems’ to be more intricacies within the genetics of isopods than the more understood dominant, co-dominant, recessive gene makeup that play a pivotal role in other hobbies like the reptile hobby. Taxonomy plays an important role in classifying new isopod species and understanding their relationships within the group.
There are so many variations within a genus or species of isopod which means not every variation is genetic or proof of discovery of a new genus or species. The unique trait may simply be a deformity or an irregularity which is unique to that individual isopod only. Like humans, we all have different characteristics and appearances that are not genetically passed down to our offspring.
A new trait can still create a stir across the hobbyist keeper community. For example, in the ball python snake hobby, it is very common for ball python breeders to pay big money for wild or captive bred ball pythons which have an unusual pattern or colouration in the hope that they can reproduce the same pattern or colouration by ‘proving out’ the unique trait to the offspring therefore creating a new morph species.
It is important to bear in mind that some isopod species have been known to produce other species of isopod from established colonies. For example, the red edge isopod can produce red edge blonde isopods. Similarly, panda king isopods are known to produce different colourations. For example, a red panda king (with an red/orange and white colouration) can produce mandarin panda kinds (fully red/orange with no white colouration). Why? How? The simple answer is nobody really understands why since there are still too many gaps in our isopod genetic knowledge. Some of these traits may specifically be unique to a certain species, while others may not be.
One thing we can highly recommend is to share your findings with other hobbyists in the community who can share their knowledge and experience in order to guide you on your potential discovery.
Here at Post Pods, we tend to keep an eye on our colonies and if different colourations or patters are noticed within an established colony, we remove those isopods with the unique trait and allow them to colonise independently to see if trait is passed down to the offspring. If you need advice or have questions about isopods, feel free to contact us.
Post Pods are presently isolating all our Ornatus High Yellow isopods which show more yellow colouration in comparison with the rest of the colony of isopods. Our goal is to isolate and ‘prove out’ the black colouration leaving higher yellow than black colouration or completely yellow colouration. Our friend, Mark Titterton had kindly provided us with new blood high yellow isopods to assist in our project.
Introduction to the Discovery
The recent discovery of Bathynomus vaderi, a remarkable new giant isopod species, has brought fresh attention to the rich deep sea biodiversity of the South China Sea. This newly discovered species, named for its striking resemblance to Darth Vader’s iconic helmet, stands as a testament to the mysteries that still linger in the deep sea. The find was spearheaded by Peter Ng, a renowned crustacean researcher and the self-proclaimed biggest Star Wars fan at the National University of Singapore. His passion for both science and pop culture helped inspire the memorable name for the Darth Vader Isopod.
The study, published in the journal ZooKeys, not only introduced Bathynomus vaderi to the world but also underscored the importance of ongoing research in these largely unexplored waters. The South China Sea, with its complex ecosystems and hidden depths, continues to yield new species that expand our understanding of deep sea life. The discovery of Bathynomus vaderi is a reminder of just how much work remains to be done in cataloging and protecting the unique species that call these deep sea regions home. As scientists from Singapore and other regions collaborate, each new discovery adds another piece to the puzzle of our planet’s deep sea biodiversity.
Characteristics and Classification
Bathynomus vaderi is a true giant among isopods, belonging to the genus Bathynomus, which is famous for its impressive array of giant isopod species. These “sea bugs” are instantly recognizable by their segmented bodies, armored exoskeletons, and multiple legs—features that make them look like something out of a science fiction movie. But Bathynomus vaderi takes this resemblance to another level, with a head shape that long reminds many of Darth Vader’s helmet.
Discovered in the deep waters near the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, Bathynomus vaderi can reach lengths of up to 32.5 centimeters and weigh over 1 kilogram, making it a supergiant among its relatives. These deep sea creatures have adapted to life in the dark, cold depths, where they play a vital role in the ecosystem by feeding on dead fish and other organic matter.
In Vietnam, giant isopods such as Bathynomus vaderi have even found their way into the local seafood market, where they are considered a seafood delicacy with a taste and texture reminiscent of lobsters and shrimp. However, the growing interest in harvesting these unique animals has raised concerns among scientists about the long-term health of their populations. As more studies are conducted, researchers hope to better understand the biology and ecology of Bathynomus vaderi, ensuring that these fascinating deep sea species continue to thrive in the face of increasing human activity. The discovery of Bathynomus vaderi not only adds to the list of known isopod species but also highlights the need for careful management and conservation of deep sea organisms in southeast Asian waters and beyond.
